Flood from the Heath? An Ark might be best solution

Published: 27 January, 2011

• REGARDING the rebuilding of the pond dams on Hampstead Heath (Heath dam top save 1,500 from flood, January 20), given the low probability  (calculated at once in each 100 years or less ) of such an eventuality as significant flooding, due to the collapse of a pond dam, it was my initial immediate response to suppose that the construction of an Ark might have been the solution of first choice. 

I am sure that such a construction would cost less that £10million and it could have been used, while awaiting the deluge, as a sculptural exhibit on the Heath, rather like the giant chair.

Overheads for an Ark would be minimal; only one elderly man with a long flowing beard and wife to match would be required as emergency standby crew. However, one has to admit that weather in the past may be no guide to weather in the future. 

It has been explicitly stated that the ponds are not to be closed either entirely or permanently as a result of such statutory duty driven, costly and intrusive construction work. 

I understand that we shall not know the definitive proposals until design and feasibility studies are complete some time in early 2012 .

Meanwhile, the big question is what arrangements are to be made for swimming during construction. 

A meeting of the United Swimmers Association will be convened to discover the views and wishes of swimmers in the three swimming ponds.

ROBERT SUTHERLAND SMITH
Chairman of the United Swimmers Association of Hampstead Heath